Bible Devotions for Living

Stay away from lazy believers who don’t work (if they are able to work).

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: We were not irresponsible among you; ⁸ we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and struggled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. ¹⁰ In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” ¹¹ For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others. (2 Thes 3:6-10)

⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, that is his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim 5:8)

At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say. (1 Tim 5:13)

He also who is lax in his work is a brother to him who destroys. (Pv 18:9 – NASB)

There have always been lazy people who don’t work to provide for themselves and always will be. Early settlers from Europe to the United States set up communal living societies where everything was everybody’s. They tried to have everything in common like the early church in Acts, but they quickly abandoned the communal living philosophy for one reason … laziness. They quickly saw that some people weren’t working while others worked with all their might … but they were all receiving the same provisions. The workers rightly decided that they should not be working to provide for lazy people.

There are lazy people among believers today too. Avoid them. Keep away from them and follow the example of Paul by working to provide for himself.

Think about it

Do you know lazy believers with poor work ethics?

What impact do lazy people have on you and others?

Name some reasons you should avoid lazy people.

Are you a lazy person who doesn’t work to do your share?